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Aster has acquired Where the Hearth Is: Stories of Home by broadcaster and author Kate Humble.
Stephanie Jackson, publisher at Octopus, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Rosemary Scoular at United Agents. Where the Hearth Is will be published on 28th September 2023.
Aster said: “Where the Hearth Is explores a question that is fundamental to us all – what is home? What is it about a place that evokes a sense of connection and rootedness that eludes us elsewhere. Is it the same for everyone, or do each of us seek or need something different to be able to feel truly at home?”
The Octopus imprint added: “Through a series of illuminating and revealing conversations, Kate Humble pieces together the rich, complex, deeply personal stories of people who shared with her their own experiences, ideas and searches for home and the sense of belonging that is its cornerstone. These conversations, that transport the reader from homebuilt cabins and woodland hideaways, historic mansions and remote islands, war-torn cities and even outer space, help Kate unpick her own journey and – together with inspiration from the natural world – discover the sometimes small, always vital components that make somewhere the uniquely special place we call home.”
Humble is a writer, broadcaster and respected advocate for the natural world, the environment and rural life. Her television credits include “Animal Park”, “Springwatch” and “Autumnwatch”and “Escape to the Farm” among other shows. Her other books include Humble by Nature, Friend for Life, Thinking on My Feet, A Year of Living Simply (all now published by Aster) and her first cookbook, Home Cooked (Gaia). Thinking on My Feet was shortlisted for both the Wainwright Prize and the Edward Stanford Travel Memoir of the Year.
Jackson said: "Kate Humble has the brilliant ability to frame the big questions in her own life beautifully on the page, in an engaging way that speaks to us all. Where the Hearth Is, like all of Kate’s books, contains a magical combination of Kate’s personal journey, a cast of wonderful individuals with their own unique perspectives and plenty of genuine food for thought.
“How can we find a place that restores us, gives us comfort, provides security, feels like ‘home’? And how might that look for each of us, with our own particular considerations, circumstances and challenges? Kate’s exploration of what matters beyond the rooms we occupy is timely and thoughtful. We’re enormously proud to publish Kate once again.”
Humble commented: “I am delighted to be working with the team at Aster again, and to continue what has been a very happy, supportive and creative relationship for the past five years.”